Chapter 175: Clashing Agendas in the Entertainment World

The staff at Haofang Agency were dumbfounded. Even some professional critics seemed a bit confused.

Thankfully, after the first episode ended and the second began, the forum’s comments finally recaptured the show’s original flavor instead of endless debates over backgrounds and filming locations.

In fact,

this isn’t the viewers’ fault—it’s Haofang Culture that has already shaped that impression.

With other cultural companies, everyone knows their dramas are all smoke and mirrors—especially those shot in film cities, where countless shows and movies originate from the same spots.

But Haofang Culture is different! Every production is set in a distinct location complete with guesthouses where audiences can even stay and experience the plot firsthand. As a result,

there’s naturally more discussion about these dramas than others.

By 9:30 PM, as the second episode was drawing to a close, the forum’s discussions had finally returned to normal.

“A unique mix: one light and humorous, one steeped in martial grudges, and one full of palace intrigues. It’s tremendously exciting,”

one viewer commented. “The first glimpse screamed ancient elegance—definitely not that shoddy, gimmicky drama.”

“A good drama needs both a strong script and skilled actors. The script is its lifeblood and the actors its backbone. Some shows have one without the other, but this one has both heart and substance,”

another added. “Although I’ve watched only the first episode, the entire narrative framework is already unfolding perfectly. The pacing is flawless, and every actor—from the lead to the supporting cast—is on point. Hu Xiao, in particular, really channels a palpable intensity.”

“Earlier, some bashed Hu Xiao, claiming he’s a talentless actor. Are those critics even still around?”

“And what about the rumor that Haofang Agency rigged the casting for Li Ying? If they had chosen Feng Xuan instead, the show might have fallen apart. Feng Xuan’s just a fresh face—lacking the gravitas and charisma required of a true lead.”

“Heh, initially Li Ying might have wanted to vent, but now it’s turned into outright slander and malicious defamation!”

“But honestly, I do think this drama has a slight flaw,”

one viewer noted, as many others voiced differing opinions alongside the praise.

“A flaw? Do you mean missing details?”

“Yeah, I really want to know how someone so frail, having barely escaped death without any connections, managed to transform into the enigmatic Jiang Zuo Mei Lang!”

“I felt the same, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a good show,”

someone else remarked. “It’s like a novel: they set up the background and characters early on—but must the lead really evolve from nothing to extraordinary right from the start?”

“That explanation does seem to work, though,” another added.

“So, just don’t overthink it—enjoy the drama. I have a feeling we’re in for another binge-worthy experience,”

one fan concluded. “After we finish watching, we should even visit Mingsha to experience the story firsthand. It would be perfect!”

“Seriously!”

Later that night at 10:00 PM in Haishi, at Eggplant TV, Cai An sat in the data department chair, massaging his brow until, after a long pause, he turned to the staff behind him.

“How are the reviews for this drama looking?” he asked.

To be frank, Cai An wasn’t in good spirits. Yan City TV and Haofang Culture had once again pulled a surprise move. What irked him most was the skyrocketing ratings! The first episode had started at 3.1, and by the end of the second it had jumped to 4.2, with no major fluctuations—evidence of a consistently tight plot.

Such ratings make it a bona fide hit! With this period intrigue drama, any TV station or cultural company planning to air historical shows will find themselves reduced to a supporting role within a month.

Unless they can pull off an all-around top-notch dark horse production!

But how many dark horse shows are there? Some years might go by without even one.

“Boss, the forum reviews are overwhelmingly positive—summed up as ‘flaws don’t mar its brilliance.’ It’s truly a conscientious drama! Especially with Hu Xiao as the lead, I believe this could be his breakthrough,”

a middle-aged man quickly interjected.

“A conscientious drama?”

Cai An exhaled deeply.

“Boss, should we consider pushing our own show back a bit?”

the middle-aged man murmured.

Coincidentally, Eggplant TV is scheduled to debut a period romance drama in ten days. In that same span, Yan City TV’s Legend of Langya certainly won’t have finished airing.

“Delaying one episode is fine, but what about the next? Continuing like this isn’t a sustainable strategy. We need to address the problem at its root!”

Cai An stole another glance at the ratings curve.

“What exactly do you mean by tackling the problem at its root?”

The man paused, clearly puzzled.

The fact was, Haofang Culture had quietly grown into a force to be reckoned with in film production. Eggplant TV simply couldn’t afford to completely blacklist them.

Moreover, as they churn out hit after hit, many TV stations are eager to collaborate with them. There’s no way they’d join forces with Eggplant TV to enforce a joint boycott.

Even Haofang Agency, with its constant rollout of top-tier artists, might eventually turn the tables on Eggplant TV.

“What are you thinking? I mean, we need to figure out a way to anticipate Haofang Culture’s next move!”

Seeing the confusion, Cai An snapped, “Boss, we just need to monitor the broadcasting authority’s filing list—whatever drama Haofang Culture is about to release will be spelled out there.”

At that, the man looked awkward and quickly added,

“A filing list? Is that really useful? What we need is an exact airing schedule! Some dramas have been filed for years and still haven’t aired. Look at Haofang Culture—each show wraps up in just two or three months with no promotion, no advertising, and then a sudden attack. How do you defend against that?”

Cai An frowned and shook his head.

“So you mean…”

“If nothing else works, we could try mediating—get the Director Association to apologize to both Haofang Culture and Yan City TV, and perhaps even bring Fang Hou from Haofang Agency into the association.

That way, whatever they produce next, we’ll at least get a heads-up to prepare ourselves!”

Cai An explained his idea.

In truth, Eggplant TV, Yan City TV, and Haofang Culture weren’t directly at war; it was the Director Association behind the scenes that had forced Eggplant TV into picking sides.

“An apology from the Director Association? Honestly, boss, I just don’t see that happening,”

the man whispered after a moment’s thought.

“Not possible?”

“Yeah. First of all, the vice presidents within the association are too high-ranking to risk losing face. And even if they did apologize, Haofang Culture might not accept it!

They already have the funding and the broadcasting platforms. Why would they risk joining the Director Association and exposing internal details?”

The man mumbled under his breath.

If roles were reversed and he were Fang Hou of Haofang Agency, he certainly wouldn’t accept a simple apology. Why should he?

“The Director Association is only hesitant because they haven’t been hurt enough. If one day Yan City TV and Haofang Culture hit them hard, even without our mediation, they’d offer an apology on their own.

And as for Haofang Culture, as long as their apology is sincere and comes with sufficient benefits, no conflict is insurmountable!”

Cai An waved his hand dismissively.

In the ever-tumultuous entertainment industry, conflicts are nothing new. In the end, for the sake of profit, everyone ends up smiling as if nothing ever happened.

“Boss, it seems Haofang Culture isn’t lacking in resources… With the backing of Mingsha Tourism and the rising clout of Haofang Agency, they’ve got it all,”

the man hesitated for a moment.

The success of Legend of Langya is practically guaranteed. He couldn’t fathom what apology chips the Director Association could muster to pique Haofang Agency’s interest.

“No! Have you seen the online buzz? Someone mentioned that Mingsha Tourism is undergoing massive construction to secure next year’s film festival hosting rights. This sudden release of Legend of Langya might be connected!

I suspect Mingsha Tourism wants to host the film festival but, remembering their previous clashes with the Director Association, they’re using this tactic to boost public attention and bargaining power—forcing the association into a corner.”

Cai An slowly leaned back in his chair.

“Film festival? You mean…”

The man suddenly enlightened,

“They’d hand over the hosting rights for next March’s film festival directly to Mingsha Tourism. They’d definitely accept that as a genuine apology. No one wants to struggle with grueling, expensive construction in the dead of winter.”

“Boss, should I contact President Ran of the Director Association shortly?”

The man replied quickly.

“Yes. Tell him straight—no more beating around the bush. Hand over the hosting rights to Mingsha Tourism as a clear sign of sincerity.

Moreover, Mingsha Tourism is currently the best-suited venue in the west for hosting a film festival. It has the buzz, the capacity, and not one, but three major tourist IPs. It simply can’t get any better.”

Announce it officially, and the public won’t have any complaints.

“Alright. Once I have an update after contacting them, I’ll call you,”

the man confirmed.

“Good!”

The long night dragged on.

Sleepless hours plagued not only several TV station bosses but also Li Ying from Mingsha’s county town and the filming crew of Yun Province TV’s ‘Ace Mediation’ segment.

It turns out that just yesterday they arrived at Hongsha Gang Village 256. They had hoped to meet Xu Xin seamlessly, but were met with a closed door and even chased out by security.

Later, the Production Team tried to re-enter Hongsha Gang Village 256 and contact Xu Xin,

but all attempts ended fruitlessly.

Their filming van wasn’t even allowed to reach the city gate before being stopped. Mingsha Tourism’s explanation was clear: without proper authorization, no production team is allowed to shoot in guesthouses, or else the police will be called.

With no other option, the ‘Ace Mediation’ crew had to temporarily settle in a hotel in Mingsha’s county town.

“Sister Li, I reckon this mediation is doomed,”

the mediator observed after a long pause, looking at Li Ying.

This mediator, who appears most frequently on ‘Ace Mediation,’ prides himself on being the best at resolving conflicts.